text: First, we brought you RoboZoo. And while mechanical animals are cool, we still love paper. So we rounded up an ark-full of origami bears, birds and bugs. Wildlife biologist Bernie Peyton has been working with origami for more than 50 years, almost as long as he's been interested in conservation. Peyton, who has a doctorate in zoology from the University of California, Berkeley, wants to enliven environmental issues for the masses, and origami, he says, appeals to people of all ages. "I write a lot of boring [academic] articles nobody reads, but conservation also has to appeal to the emotional side," Peyton told Wired. "That's why I do art." He chose origami because its fragility complements "the ephemeral nature of our world," he said. Plus, he uses his experience as a field biologist to inform how he molds paper into cacti, bears, kangaroo rats, snakes and polar bears, all of which he's spent considerable time with. "I don't fold anything I don't have a personal experience with," he said. "The decades I spent as a field biologist enabled me to breath life into my own creations," he writes on his website. He recently showcased some of his creations during the Bay Area Science Festival Nov. 1 and 2 at a gallery in Berkeley. Enjoy. Walruses Peyton's walrus trio shows the blubbery mammals as they're often found, in groups. Both males and females have tusks, which they often use to pull themselves out of the water. The males use them to fight off other bulls and to protect their females. Peyton's piece is part of a larger group of origami sculptures depicting the effects of climate change on Arctic species as they struggle with melting ice. All origami images and designs: courtesy of Bernie Peyton.Polar Bears "I have a love affair with polar bears," said Peyton, who has spent time in the Arctic. "They're so majestic." Polar bears, like walruses and harp seals, depend on ice to rear their young. As the planet warms and this cold commodity becomes scarcer, polar bear populations could decrease, according to a 2011 report in the journal Nature Communications. Polar bears are listed as a threatened species. "What's happening with the polar bear is just a total tragedy," said Peyton. "I wanted to celebrate their uniqueness and wonderfulness."Leaf Cutter Ants Peyton refers to these red ants as the first farmers of the world. They cut up leaves, take them to their burrows and cultivate mold on them, which they use to feed. They don't actually eat the leaves, but as they transport them, they fertilize them with ant poop to make sure mold grows on them well. These ants live in South American rain forests, where Peyton did field research. Peyton's ant sculpture, entitled Survival of the Fittest, is a commentary about the suburbanization of America. The leaf cutter ants are harvesting a map of Levittown, New York, one of the first housing developments in the country. "It's a comment about who was going to survive on this planet, ants or humans," he said. He seems to be placing his bets on the six-legged bugs. [caption id="attachment_136461" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Bottom image: Leaf cutter ants. Wikipedia.[/caption]Kangaroo Rat Short-nose kangaroos are more like squirrels than rats, Peyton says. "They have the best kidneys in the world," he said. "They come out at night and get all their water from dry seeds," after spending up to 22 hours in their underground burrows. These long-tailed creatures live in deserts and can jump several feet off the ground to avoid predators like owls, foxes, or coyotes. These furry animals have little pouches on their cheeks in which they haul seeds back to their subterranean lairs. Peyton studied these mouse-sized critters in California's San Joaquin Valley during graduate school at UC Berkeley. He recalls waiting two years for a permit to study these rodents, until federal and state officials granted him permission to radio-collar five. "When later I was refused permission to live-trap and release [kangaroo rats], I had to come up with a study plan that relied on passive technology," he said. "Instead of monitoring the animals, I needed to wire up the environment, and let the animals tell me how they used it." He hid buttons under 48 seed-filled trays connected with kilometers worth of wires. The wires were hooked up to a data logger that measured how long kangaroo rats spent digging for seeds and the time of day. This way, he could study how location, the presence of predators and the seed amount affected kangaroo rats. "The tens of thousands of feeding events I recorded provided answers to more questions than I originally conceived," Peyton said. "Origami helped me think outside the box...[it] saved my dissertation." [caption id="attachment_136458" align="aligncenter" width="660"] Bottom image: Kangaroo rat. Wikipedia.Anolis Lizard Male anolis lizards head-bop and extend a large-flap of skin under their jaw to establish their territories. This behavior signals to other males to stay out and that all the females in their proximity are off limits to other suitors. But when they do that, "they're very visible and can get eaten," said Peyton. He placed his paper reptile on the edge of a plant limb to depict this vulnerability. Other researchers are using robo-lizards to study how anoles communicate using these signas. Bottom image: Anolis lizard. Wikipedia.Kit Fox "Those are the foxes that ate my kangaroo rats," said Peyton. These animals live in deserts and get the water they need from the furry creatures they eat, like hares, squirrels, lizards and kangaroo rats. These bushy-tailed mammals are mostly nocturnal and not very territorial. Bottom image: Kit fox. Wikipedia.Eyelash Pit Viper This "fairly common and highly poisonous little snake hangs around in the mid-canopy" of rain forests of Costa Rica, Venezuela, and Honduras, said Peyton. He often encountered them during field expeditions. "When I was cutting train in the field, I had to worry about them because they're right at neck level," he recalled. He never got bitten. These snakes have tiny horn-like projections on their eyes resembling eyelashes, from which they get their name.Bedbugs New York City is often referred to as the city that never sleeps. Perhaps part of the reason is its recent bedbug epidemic, which even hit the United Nations and SoHo's Hollister store. During the day, they hide out in beds, upholstered furniture and even walls and appliances. Peyton says he visited New York for an origami conference at the peak of the bedbug infestation, so he thought it would be a great idea to have an origami bedbug display at the convention. "We sent that to Mayor Bloomberg's office," said Peyton. "I don't think he appreciated it." Peyton's probably right. These tiny, reddish brown insects are an absolute nightmare. They're hard to get rid of because bedbug populations can double every 16 days. People who have them often throw out their mattresses, which means these pests can hitch a ride to a new home on unaware passers-by. The City even started handing out fines to people who didn't cover their mattresses before putting them on the streets as a way to stem their spreading. Guided by the carbon dioxide people breathe out, bedbugs crawl atop their sleeping hosts at night to feast on their blood. The at-first unsuspecting humans then wake up with groups of two or three itchy and scratchy bites, often termed breakfast, lunch and dinner. "The risk of encountering bedbugs increases if you spend time in places with high turnovers of nighttime guests — such as hotels, hospitals or homeless shelters," according to the Mayo Clinic website. While they might wreak havoc on your sleeping habits and sanity, these bugs don't seem to carry diseases.Cactus To Peyton, cacti "sort of look like people," he said. Their shapes remind him of human arms and legs. He spent a lot of time with these plants in Peru and often watched the bears he was studying climb them. Cacti live in varied environments ranging from Patagonia in Argentina, Mexican deserts, up to western Canada. These spiny plants have gained popularity as decorative objects, so much so that there seemed to be a black market for high-end cacti. "The problem is so bad that surveillance cameras have gone up near large concentrations of cactuses in urban landscaping, and authorities expect to implant microchips into the barrels soon to track their whereabouts," the Los Angeles Times wrote in 2008.Pacific Salmon Pacific salmon swim upriver to lay their eggs and then they die and float downstream. "The upriver salmon migration is one of nature's most exciting dramas. But to the five species of Pacific salmon (chinook, chum, coho, pink, and sockeye), it is a long, strenuous, desperate race against time, with every obstacle taking its toll," according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). These obstacles include a shortage of body fat to go the distance, fishermen, polluted waters, and predators like otters, eagles and bears. Many salmon populations are threatened by the "four H's": habitat destruction, hydroelectric dams, over-harvesting, and competition with hatchery fish, according to the FWS. Some stocks are even listed as endangered or threatened species. "They're a really important species," said Peyton. "I wanted to celebrate that."Red-eyed Frogs The world's frog populations are going extinct because of fungal infections, Peyton said. The rain forests where he used to work were home to hundreds of species, some of which are no longer there. He says he often ponders whether he brought some parasitic fungus himself. "I have some responsibility there," he said. He thinks frogs are often alone in the world, and so he wanted to depict them that way in his art.Red-eyed Frogs Red-eyed tree frogs hunt insects by night. They're not endangered, but their habitats in the tropical lowlands of Mexico and Central and South America are.Bears Peyton studied spectacled bears from 1977 to 1985 in Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. He also did some black bear trapping in Idaho, Arizona and Montana. His job was to figure out where they lived and how best to protect their populations. He mobilized youngsters to do research on bears and helped create national parks for them around the world. His "Lying Bear" sculpture, which is influenced by Inuit art, he says, depicts a happy and relaxed bear resting.Red Fox "My brother was having problems with red foxes eating his chickens, so I made this for him," he said. These animals are not picky eaters. They'll eat chickens, rodents, rabbits, birds, and almost anything else that's in their surroundings. These foxes hunt solo and live in forests, deserts, mountains and close to farms. They can carry diseases such as rabies, but seem to also help decrease the spread of Lyme disease by eating mice that carry the bacteria that causes it.Owlets Peyton modeled his owlets after the burrowing owls that ate the kangaroo rats he studied during graduate school in the San Joaquin Valley. These predators are considered an endangered species in Canada and the state of Minnesota and are listed as a species of concern in California, Montana and Oklahoma, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.Bald Eagles Bald eagles, especially baby ones, are among our favorite predatory birds. They mate for life and build nests measuring up to 10 feet in diameter and weighing 1,000 pounds. They lay between one and three eggs each year, which take about a month to hatch. Peyton's bald eagle origami shows two of these birds fighting over the U.S. during the 2000 election. One symbolizes former Vice President and presidential candidate Al Gore and former President George W. Bush. Peyton has chosen piranhas as symbols for the 2012 presidential race.


text: In the blink of an eye, an enormous bright red light flashes above a thundercloud, spreading energetic branches that extend five times taller than Mount Everest and look like jellyfish tendrils and angel's wings. These mysterious phenomena are known as Transient Luminous Events (TLEs), and are usually invisible to the naked eye because they happen on millisecond timescales, too fast to be seen. They occur between 50 to 100 kilometers above the ground, a long-ignored area of the atmosphere that is too high for aircraft but too low for satellites to investigate. There, the thin air interacts with strong electrical fields to ionize molecules and create arcing plasmas. These spectacles are relatively new to science. Pilots had reported enigmatic bright flashes throughout the 20th century, but their anecdotal evidence didn't amount to proof. The first image of a TLE was captured accidentally in 1989 when a University of Minnesota professor aimed a low-light TV camera at the sky to film a rocket launch. Replaying the tape later on, Professor John R. Winckler saw brilliant columns of light extending from the tops of storm clouds. Hearing of the finding, NASA officials immediately ordered a review of video tapes taken from the space shuttle that looked at lightning events on Earth. They found dozens more examples of TLEs, and later scientists have been recording them ever since. "One of the neatest things about TLEs is that first image in 1989 was just a serendipitous capture," said amateur radio astronomer Thomas Ashcraft, who has been photographing the events for several years. Using a relatively simple camera and radio dish, Ashcraft has seen a whole bestiary of odd TLE phenomena. The most common are sprites, tall and highly structured bursts of light that appear above thunderstorms. They ionize the nitrogen in our atmosphere, causing a red glow. Often, they happen in conjunction with "Emissions of Light and Very Low Frequency Perturbations due to Electromagnetic Pulse Sources," also known as ELVES, which are enormous halos of light that shoot outward to cover up to 500 kilometers in a millisecond. Though they are too short-lived to see, ELVES can produce bright afterglows that some people have mistaken for UFOs. Other TLEs have names like blue jets and trolls. To deliver great TLE shots, Ashcraft first checks radar maps of the local area around his observatory in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Red spots on such maps indicate strong lightning cells, which increases the probability of sprite activity. Because the phenomena are mostly visible in near infrared wavelengths, he uses a modified off-the-shelf DLSR camera from which he removed the clear glass filter covering the CCD that blocks infrared light. By taking continuous three-second exposures, Ashcraft records thousands of pictures each night. He then goes through the catalog looking for a sprite to appear. If he spots something, he can check a video camera that he has running during the night to see if captured more detail there. He shares his most interesting findings with other sprite observers, who may chime in with their own pictures from other positions. From Santa Fe, Ashcraft says he can usually catch sprites up to 1,000 kilometers away. "I can see big storms out over the Great Plains, usually beyond Oklahoma City and into Nebraska," he said. "After that, the curvature of the Earth gets in the way." Using a radio dish, Ashcraft also captures extremely low frequency emissions that the TLEs give off. He converts these into sound files, which can be heard in his videos, and can help researchers pick out details they might otherwise miss. A lot of research regarding TLEs is still cutting-edge science, said Ashcraft. Only in recent years have scientists aimed high-speed cameras capable of capturing thousands of frames per second to study the spectacles in detail. While researchers had originally hypothesized that the phenomena were starting at the tops of thunderclouds, fast-motion videos prove that TLEs start as luminous spheres and then shoot upwards and downwards at the same time. In this gallery, we take a look at some of Ashcraft's most spectacular TLE recordings to get a better appreciation of these weird and wonderful phenomena. Above: Spectacular Sprites Ashcraft captures a large sprite hanging over West Kansas. Play the video below to listen to the radio sounds given off by the sprites and to see some slowed-down black and white video.Close-Up Sprite The firework details of a sprite emerge in this image, captured looking over Taos, New Mexico in 2012. A video that includes the radio emissions can be seen below.Double Sprites Two sprites burst on the scene above Oklahoma.Jellyfish The long tendrils from a sprite can be seen in this video, which captures an incident above Amarillo, Texas in 2012. A color image of the event can be seen below. Donut ELVE A donut ELVE is an extremely powerful ELVE that has a hole in its center. The sprite cluster that occurred with the ELVE can be seen in the image below, but the ELVE itself only shows up in the video above. Failed Jet A spectacular vista shows a tiny blip above a cloudbank. Ashcraft thinks the small flash is either a starter, a blue jet, or a gnome. Forking Sprite The forking nature of a sprite is evident in this image, taken above a storm east of Las Vegas in 2012.Sprite Details A zoomed-in image showing a cluster of sprites.Red Sprites An amazing flash of sprites can been seen appearing briefly at different speeds in this video. An image of the event can be seen below. Tall Sprite A great bright sprite from a storm above Clovis, New Mexico.All images and video: Thomas Ashcraft

subset: commoncrawl


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Cyber-Security Incident Handling StandardSubmitted by ISO Admin on Mon, 08/14/2017 - 11:22
Cyber-Security Incident Handling Standard
RIT has created a process for handling computer incidents to ensure that each incident is appropriately resolved and further preventative measures are implemented.
Cyber-Security Incident Handling Standard
- Current Incident Handling Standard (supersedes previous version, comply by 1/23/15)
Who does the standard apply to?
- The standard primarily applies to administrators of RIT-owned or leased computing devices.
- The standard also applies to users of personally-owned or leased devices should the incident involve RIT resources.
What is an incident?
Incidents include the following types of events:
- Physical loss of a computing device ... ...


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Reusable coasters from Coasterstone- the first and oldest absorbent coaster manufacture in the USA. They have perfected the stone purifying process creating a truly thirsty coaster. Sweat from your beverage glass will be absorbed by the stone coaster rather than pooling at the base of your glass on the surface of so many other coasters.
Add your favorite lake map to our favorite coaster to create the perfect solution to end beverage rings and spills. 4.25 inch square coasters are absorbent which we are very fond of!
Minimum quantity on this product is 8 coasters- packaged in two sets of four.


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Friuli home base tour
Thank you for choosing to book with RAD + REISEN EUROCYCLE.
Please take a few minutes to complete our booking form to reserve your cycling tour. After we have officially confirmed your reservation, your deposit will then be due. You can pay your deposit by credit card or wire transfer.


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DFA diehards tend to be proud and protective of their relationship with the exclusive fund family — Dimensional Fund Advisors works with fewer than 2,000 advisors — known for its deep value orientation and emphasis on empirical financial research.
As befits the financial sophistication for which the firm is known, the latest paean to the fund firm's superiority is a three-factor regression analysis that DFA advisor Eric Nelson of Servo Wealth Management has undertaken with a view toward understanding which factors account for DFA's excess returns.
Writing on his blog, the Oklahoma City-based advisor seeks to show that DFA's superior returns derive not merely from fund design characteristics — factors that lead some investors to favor ETFs over mutual funds or index funds over actively managed funds, for example; rather it is superior fund management that makes DFA funds advantageous.
To demonstrate this point, Nelson compares DFA funds over the past 15-plus years in two broad categories for which multiple index fund and ETF alternatives exist: large value funds and small value funds.
He looks at how the DFA fund compared with two iShares ETFs and a Vanguard index fund in each category, then isolates how much did each fund's value orientation, small-cap bias and management alpha contribute to performance.
The analysis seems to show that DFA is a different sort of creature than these other value products.
For example, in the large-value category, DFA's annualized return of 7.2% far exceeded the 4.9%, 5.8% and 5.2% returns of the iShares S&P 500 value index, iShares Russell 1000 and Vanguard Value Index Fund.
Part of the reason for that, Nelson explains, is the fund's 0.6 value coefficient compared to value exposure in the other funds ranging from 0.3 to 0.4.
That means that when value beats growth, the DFA fund will capture 60% of the outperformance compared with its peers' 30% to 40%. And DFA gets this deeper value orientation by buying low price-to-book ratio stocks in the bottom quartile rather than the bottom half as is common with index funds, resulting in a deeper value bias.
The more diluted stock selection of DFA's peers "results in watered-down and stale portfolios with much lower returns," Nelson writes.
The DFA fund also outperformed its exposure to small-cap and value stocks by 0.1% through alpha (compared to its peers' -0.1 to -1%), meaning through portfolio management emphasizing patient trading and lending of securities for added portfolio income.
"We can conclude that between 20% and 50% of DFA's outperformance in large value stocks, a sizable sum, has nothing to do with their increased value exposure," Nelson writes.
In the small-cap value comparison, Nelson found that management expertise had an even greater impact, accounting from between 40% and 70% of DFA's advantage over its peers — beyond its deeper value orientation and more pronounced tilt toward smaller stocks. What's more, while DFA was consistently adding value in value exposure, size exposure and alpha, its peers evinced no such consistency:
"The best non-DFA index in the large value asset class, the Russell 1000 Value, was also the worst non-DFA index in the small value asset class, the Russell 2000 Value," Nelson finds.
The Oklahoma City-based RIA concludes that fund management and fund design equally drive DFA's performance edge:
"We find how DFA manages their portfolios (trading patiently, screening out non-asset class holdings, and generating securities lending revenue) on an ongoing basis is as important as how the portfolios are designed (greater orientation to small-cap stocks, deeper orientation to value stocks)," Nelson writes.
Despite these advantages, Nelson insists it is the advisor and not the fund company that makes the key difference in investor outcomes.
"Access to DFA is nice and they do a better job than other options, but the value we provide in developing an appropriate asset allocation and ensuring our clients stick with it through thick and thin is where the greatest value lies," he tells ThinkAdvisor.
That said, Nelson is currently using DFA funds exclusively (though that is not a requirement that DFA imposes) for new clients — "not because…we are a 'DFA advisor,'" he says, "but instead because in each asset class we use in a balanced portfolio (U.S. large growth, large-value, small-value, international large value, small value, emerging markets value, and global short-term bonds), we simply cannot find an ETF, Vanguard fund, or other passive strategy that is as diversified and captures the returns of the asset class as robustly and consistently as DFA does."
Check out Your Move, Bogleheads: Advisor Finds DFA's Returns Trump Vanguard's on ThinkAdvisor.


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NEWPORT BEACH, (AP) — Court documents say the father of one of the first victims of former Los Angeles police officer Christopher Dorner suspected his daughter might have been shot when he heard initial reports of a double-murder on the news.
The search warrant affidavit filed by Irvine police was released Monday. It says retired police Capt. Randal Quan called the Irvine police watch commander on duty the night of Feb. 3 to tell him his daughter Monica Quan lived at the location and he could not reach her.
The 28-year-old Quan and her 27-year-old fiance, Keith Lawrence, were found shot dead in the parking structure of their Irvine condo.
A six-day manhunt for Dorner ended in a deadly gun battle with police.
Quan and Lawrence were memorialized at a service Sunday.


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Again, With The Pumpkin…
If you're not a fan of the whole bloody-baby-hands-sticking-out-of-your-belly Halloween pregnancy costume that seems to be everywhere, perhaps something a little more creative might do it for you.
Mummy style
For starters, you could go all Jessica Simpson and make like a "mummy." Use some old long-john underwear and muslin wrap for an easy DIY costume.
Image credit: Delia Creates
Magic 8 Ball
For the less creative among us (cough, cough), I love the idea of going as a Magic 8 ball. Just don a basic black T-shirt and slap a number 8 on a big white sticker on your bump and you've got yourself a clever costume. Let's just hope no one tries to shake you for the answer.
Image credit: Chicago Now
Lil' pumpkin
This costume is definitely much more up to my speed. Paint a jack-o'-lantern face on an old (large!) T-shirt so your baby bump is a living pumpkin!
Image credit: Something's Gotta Give
It's the milkman's...
If you have a partner hitting the Halloween scene with you, go retro and cause quite the scandal as dressing as a pregnant housewife — and have him wear a milkman costume!
Image credit: Kayla Danelle
Bun in the oven
I so wish I would have been pregnant enough at Halloween to pull this look off. An old cardboard box, some paint and some thrift-store suspenders would be enough to make this classic adage come to life.
Image credit: Daily Party Dish
More about Halloween
Celebrate a subtle Halloween
Save on Baby's Halloween costume
Throw a Halloween-themed baby shower


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BRENTWOOD — A Maine woman will remain in jail as she prepares to face charges alleging she helped her brother carry out a plot to kill his ex-wife, Amanda "Amy" Warf.
Michelle Corson, 43, of Skowhegan, Maine, was arraigned by video Monday morning in the circuit court in Brentwood. She is charged with being an accomplice to first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
Corson's brother, Aaron Desjardins, has been arrested and charged with killing Warf in March by slitting her throat and severing an artery.
Firefighters found Warf's body inside an abandoned concrete plant on Hampton Road in Exeter on Thursday morning, March 7, after the building caught fire.
An autopsy later showed Warf had been murdered. Prosecutors say Warf was forced to enter the concrete plant at gunpoint.
It was Corson who allegedly supplied the gun, a .32-caliber German Mauser pistol. She is accused of delivering the weapon to New Hampshire on March 6, after receiving a coded text message from Desjardins' new wife, Sarah Desjardins.
Investigators say before the murder, Sarah Desjardins sent a text message to Corson asking her to bring a "roasting pan" to New Hampshire. The words were allegedly a code meaning Corson should bring a gun to the state.
Corson was arrested in Skowhegan, Maine, last month on a fugitive from justice charge. She later waived extradition to New Hampshire.
In court Monday, prosecutors asked for Corson to be held without bail, citing precedent that a superior court judge should rule on the matter of bail. Senior Assistant Attorney General Susan Morrell said Corson faces a potential sentence of life in prison without parole if convicted on the charges.
The accomplice to first-degree murder charge alleges Corson acted with the intent to help her brother murder Warf by providing the pistol. A second charge alleges between Jan. 1 and April 1, 2013, she conspired with her brother, his wife, or both to kill Warf.
Corson spoke only a few words during the hearing, indicating that she did not wish to challenge the bail order, and agreeing to seek a court-appointed attorney.
She is scheduled to appear again in circuit court for a probable cause hearing on May 13 at 10 a.m.
Sister-in-law arraigned in plot to kill Amanda Warf
BRENTWOOD — A Maine woman will remain in jail as she prepares to face charges alleging she helped her brother carry out a plot to kill his ex-wife, Amanda "Amy" Warf.


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Open House Punch
Total TimePrep: 10 min. + chilling
Makes85 servings (4 gallons)
- 6 quarts water
- 10 cups brewed tea
- 5 cups sugar
- 4 cans (12 ounces each) frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
- 4 cans (12 ounces each) frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 1 can (12 ounces) frozen pineapple juice concentrate, thawed
- 4 liters ginger ale, chilled
- In a large container, combine the first six ingredients; stir until sugar is dissolved. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Just before serving, transfer to a punch bowl. Stir in ginger ale.
Nutrition Facts1 cup: 83 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 5mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (21g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.
Recommended Video
Apr 23, 2013
D Bacon-why not make the punch adjusting the sugar to the amount you're comfortable with or simply choose not to make it at all. You are free to alter recipes in any way you might like and just as free to not use any recipe on this site. No need to criticize.
Nov 19, 2009
I made this punch at my church's Graduation celebration for all the 09' Grads, everyone kept asking me for the recipe.Its a perfect punch thats not too sweet. The citrus flavor mixed with the tea is a wonderful combination. Even my mom has requested that I make it next week for our family's Thanksgiving Dinner.
Jul 8, 2009
Why is it necessary to add so much sugar to juices that we don't add sugar to to drink separately? daleb
Dec 11, 2007
I make this every year for my holiday open house and it's always a hit! I often get requests for the recipe!


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Alvares, Manuel, 1526-1583, et al. / Ethiopia Minor and a geographical account of the Province of Sierra Leone : (c. 1615)
Chapter 25: The state of Christianity in the Serra, pp. 1-10
Page 1
This material may by protected by copyright law (e.g., Title 17, US Code).| For information on re-use see: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/Copyright


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Animal Science Graduate Program
The Penn State Graduate Program in Animal Science offers research and teaching activities in the animal sciences at the University Park Campus. Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.), Master of Science (M.S.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees are available.
Graduate Degree Programs in Animal Science
- Master of Professional Studies (M.P.S.)
- Master of Science (M.S.)
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
- Minor in the Animal Science Graduate Program
Our department has a variety of agricultural species and our faculty specialize in management, breeding and genomics, growth and development biology, meat science, nutrition, and nutritional, lactational and reproductive physiology.
Our degree programs are designed to provide the knowledge, training, and perspectives expected of holders of these degrees. Insofar as possible, the pattern of course work and the area of thesis research will be designed to meet the specific interests and needs of the student. These plans of study will be developed within the general procedures and regulations of The Graduate School.


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Message Board
William Manchester Message Board
Talk about the novels, new and used books that Manchester has written!
Author Manchester's Book Reviews
Goodbye Darkness
This book is a description of William Manchester's life as a U.S. Marine in the Pacific during World War II. It is a moving, first person account of what happened to him during combat on Okinawa. The two most moving accounts are Lt. Tubby Morris's death on the seawall at Oruku and Sgt.Manchester's duel to the death with the Japanese sniper on Okinawa. I read and reread portions of this book every day. William Manchester writes as a journalist and his acc...
The Last Lion: Alone 1932-1940
The second volume of William Manchester's biography of Sir Winston Churchill encompasses the eight-year period from the beginning of Churchill's longest period in the political "wilderness," to his rise to power as Prime Minister of Great Britain at the beginning of World War II. Manchester contends that the two decades between the two World Wars, and not his years as Prime Minister (1940-1945), were Winston S. Churchill's personal "finest hour." M...
The Last Lion: Visions of Glory, 1874-1932
This is an account of the first 58 years of the life of Sir Winston Churchill, arguably the 20th century's greatest statesman. With wit and candor, Manchester chronicles Churchill's life, from his earliest days as the neglected first child of Lord Randolph Churchill and his American-born wife, Jennie, to his entry into the political "wilderness" over Indian Home Rule in 1932. The first volume of this magnificent biography ends with Churchill being ex...


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Cosy Sweaters for Two
Both Lani and I have been out hunting the last few days. Sadly, I can't say I found much to report to you with enthusiasm. New hunts start in just a few hours of course and that is great news. Meanwhile, one item that both Lani and I agreed on was this great sweater from Blanche's Boutique on the Dirty Turkey Hunt (orange feather). Now I can't say that this was an EASY feather to find. Look BEHIND things for sure *wink*, but the prize is great. Actually I saw lots of cute items in the shop so be sure and peruse while you are hunting. We are both dressed in a Northwest Grunge style here which is fairly appropriate considering where the typist lives. I will of course be changing soon, but I think Lani has found her style and will never be a fashionista. That's really OK by me.
My hair and hat is Steve from Emo-tions. I can't tell exactly from the notecard if this is new or on sale this weekend, but if you like it, guy or gal, stop by the shop and check it out.
My cute Christmas cards on the wall came from LISP in the Holiday Market.
Winter Whites
Posted by Chic Aeon in new releases, skins
The outfit above is called Miss Christmas Skeleton. It definitely makes a striking photo in the late dusky afternoon.
This is one of two winter skins available. These are "doll" outfits, but as long as you like the slightly bizarre, you can mix them into your everyday style.
My boots are from Prim and Pixel, not new but still available in many colors.
Poses by: Vista Animations
Posted by Chic Aeon in freebies, mesh, new releases on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
It seems like years ago, but was in fact only a few months, when I wrote a somewhat philosophical post on the entrance of MESH into Second Life. One of my theories was that the real power of mesh -- something that would induce folks to move into Meshland *wink* would be full avatars. That has indeed come to pass and was most likely well under way when I wrote my original post. But today, thanks to fellow blog queen, Jule Lemondrop, I saw an outstanding example of my musings.
I didn't get over to *DOLLCOCO* until this early eve. It is even higher in the sky than I thought we could go -- and that seems pretty fitting for this lofty enterprise :D. As a photographer I was blown away at the entrance. I didn't even need to see the dolls to be impressed, I was entranced with the "sets". Well, they are not really SETS, but that is how I think these days, most often in movie making mode.
Eventually I made my way to the spot where you can pick up free doll bodies (group tag activation). There are both white and dark bodies. I was actually leaning towards the dark version, but at the moment there is only one dark head. Still, ya know I picked it up for the future.
Doll heads come in a set with both open and closed eyes. These are beautifully made, so if you have played at being a doll somewhere in your SL lifetime and want to take that to the next level -- now is your chance.
Me? I am thinking about how to work this into my next movie -- ah inspiration.
There are some great looking doll only clothes and shoes in the shop too. You need specialty attire for these dollies. Even if you aren't too interested in being a doll from time to time, get over to the shop and just wander. That is an impressive journey in itself.
Later note: You may find that it is difficult to RETURN to your previous shape. Scary, but logging out and logging in fixed it for me. Even though you change to a new shape the position of your various parts (arms, thighs, calves etc.) seem to "stick". Be sure you have an outfit saved that you can transfer into. I had MANY and eventually got back to "me" :D.
Poses by: LAP
Newness and Freeness
Lani is updating her look as time goes by. Today she found a new skin (3 in a pack and free) from *Step inSide*. Find the coat hanger hunt object to garner three makeups in each of three tones AND the tga files. Her new necklace with matching earrings (worn but hiding under all that hair) are a group gift from NHA!. It is a small shop with some outstanding Boho-esce designs.
These very impressive and difficult to miss grunge boots are from Death Row Designs on the group Midnight board. A quick check tonight showed 25 spots left before the witching hour deadline. So if this is your style, get over there.
Posted by Chic Aeon in freebies, new releases, skins on Friday, November 25, 2011
Meet Alba; Alba 06 Dark to be exact. A new release from Akeruka and on sale along with the rest of the store for the 25,26 and 27. This is a beautiful skin -- a bit knowing, a bit ethereal. The skins come with eyebrow tattoos so you can coordinate with your hair color. I have never worn this shade of my Luna hair from Magika, but wearing the red eyebrows convinced me to give it a try.
I am really liking Alba. I think I will give her a few days try out. You know I don't switch skins easily *wink*, but she is pretty seductive. ALSO, the group join fee is down to zero for the same time period. And you know what that means? You can try out that dollarbie group gift skin I featured a few days ago. There is one for guys too.
My very feminine undies are a new release from Paradisis. Sweet Sugar is the style name.
The wintery -- thank goodness we don't get cold in SL -- backdrop is the new sky surround and yard I built today; it will be home for the next month on the LEA. I still (amazingly) have enough prims to furnish the house. I have never had this many prims before! (insert big smile here).
Poses by: LAP
Romantic Snowy Picnic
OK. I have to admit I was a little shocked when I hopped into this pose and found myself in a tight embrace. Wonder and I are not "that" kind of friends. But the extremely pretty Snowy Picnic in the Woods set from Hanaya as part of the Candy Cane 3 grid wide hunt (dollarbie) said I needed a partner and Wonder was available and almost always dressed in outdoor casual mode *wink*.
The set includes a whole wintery scene including picnic basket and coffee giving pot. Items come coalesced with the picnic table setup being one piece, the trees and grass another, picnic basket a third and the lights with squirrel a forth. Happily with so may extra prims at my disposal, I copied over more trees and grass. Such a pretty view which may get enhanced sometime soon. It IS that holiday season and snow at 3700 meters is still snow :D. Edit: While enhancing my landscape with more trees and snowy grass, I found that the coffee set is also separate. So many choices :D. Also it appears that the trees may be mesh as when I made copies it said 20 prims and 55 prim equivalents. But even if you aren't in a mesh viewer, you can use parts of the set.
A note from the designer let me know that the trees are regular sculpties and not mesh. I have no idea what that message in Firestorm 3 meant then. Hmmmm.
There are three different (long) animations -- each shown here. The fellow (or person taking that spot) sits first. It seems like the first sitter is the only one that can change the poses, at least in my experiments. /1a adjustments are in the mix for fine tuning.
No newness in the outfit arena this eve. My closet seems to be filled with fancier accouterments.
Posted by Chic Aeon in hair, hunts, new releases
There are some outfits that give you model status simply by clicking that replace button and watching your clothing rewrite.
There are some gifts the stand out in the hunting and gathering arena.
This full set from Tres Beau in the Diamonds Are Mine 3 hunt fills both criteria.
In a lovely cocoa color and warm wool (let's call it cashmere, shall we?), the set raises your classiness quotient admirably.
To be honest, only tall and thin gals need apply. The set was designed for models it seems. Even I, at six feet, needed to make some major prim adjustment for height *wink*.
A few minutes in the editing window shortening prims was definitely worth it though. I feel so very posh.
My hair is a new release from Pomme d' Amour called LADYBUG HAIR.
My earrings are also new and hale from Addiction Jewelry.
Still wearing those Audrey heels from Kalnins Fashion.
Poses by: Vista Animations
Wishing those of you in the United States a Happy Thanksgiving Day --
Let's be grateful for all that we have.
Sunset and Ice
Posted by Chic Aeon in new releases on Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Once you have faced the crowds or at least the computer for Friday shopping, take a breather and expend a sigh. It might be relief or it might be those few seconds when fantasy meets reality -- virtually at least. Ice Queen is the new WEEKEND release from EMO-tions. Wings and feathers are included, just not my style :D. The coordinating hair goes by the same name. I am wearing the dramatic dark red version.
The silvery bit of royalty called for equally pale skin and happily I had last weekend's special from Apple May Designs to wear for the first time. I added one of the KOSH- LOST SOULS EYESHADOWS which I so love and most often forget to add *wink*. The dragonblood version worked perfectly with the hair.
Poses by: Vista Animations
Free and Fallesce
Posted by Chic Aeon in freebies, new releases, poses, props
The Mr. Poet free sweaters (white, black and blue) are pretty nifty and while sized for guys of course, work OK for gals, giving us that "I borrowed my boyfriend's sweater" look. Most of us already have the great free color change scarves from Mr. Poet, but if they are missing from your inventory, be sure and pick those up while you are there. They are on the wall next to the lucky boards.
I have to say I was happily surprised to see that taking off the prim part of the sweater from [VS] Style, left a very cute cropped top which works well with this sweater coat. Yeah!
Lani was busy watching the lucky board at the Gabriel prop store, Tia, yesterday and after a little while she came away with the prop backdrop you see in the top photo and below. It is around 150 prims with all the accessories and included lighting choices, couch color and glow changes as well as solid "green screen" backdrops if that is your style.
I can't say I was thrilled with the way the poses work. It is the old multi pose ball set up and once you get in the spot you want, you turn on the pose from your inventory. The poses however (Gabriel has a pose shop also) are very nice and Lani was thrilled to have them added to her almost non-existent pose collection. They fit her very well. So this is definitely a great addition to your prop set up if you have a little time. The board is a group one; joiner is right next to the board.
One last thing before I depart for the corporeal climes; I finally got around to changing my Audrey heels from KALNINS FASHION to another color. Black has been working several days for me *wink*, but I wanted to show you one more time the lovely finishing work on these shoes (and feet of course). They are really premium and one of my favorite footwear styles of the season. I actually make copies of the shoes after changing color as I am a lazy gal, but if you pride yourself on a skinny inventory, the color changing is a breeze. See previous posts for other photos. Click the one at left for a closer view.
And while I was typing up this last part of my post, I won the pose prop from Gabriel on a wildcard! :D
Poses by: Vista Animations
Great Free Stuff
Lani has been out looking for wardrobe enhancements. She won a big prize yesterday and so lindens are not a problem. Still, if it is great AND free? Even better. There are lots of hunts going on now and advent calendars will no doubt be in evidence soon (love those). With a bit more time, I will be checking out some places on my to do list.
Above is an outfit from the Dollar for Dollar Hunt. The complete outfit is shown on our guest for the day, Divine. While Lani loved it all, her more than necessary for survival type shape caused some fitting issues *smile*. Still she was thrilled with what she could use in the prize from Fa Creation. She went with black jeans from the prize at another stop -- a bit more slimming ya know. The boots resized nicely and she even made the socks larger all by themselves. These could work for guys too I am thinking. BTW the dotted sweater has a really cute fringe piece that is difficult to see on Divine and not sizable for chunky Lani. So cute!
Also in the news, but not shown are new male and female tall biker (silver buckles and such) boots from Gabriel; a group gift. In fact there lots of great group gifts for both guys and gals as you first walk in the store. So if you haven't visited of late, now is the time to check that out. Amazingly the group gifts are transfer (yes really). There is also a sale going on. There are some nice things at discount prices, but watch the vendors as I found a couple with sale tags and the original prices :D.
Photo taken at one of Gabriel's photo studio sets. They are for sale.
Poses by: LAP
Risky - Not So Much
Posted by Chic Aeon in freebies, hair, new releases, places on Monday, November 21, 2011
Exploration mode has been in force now that I have almost completed my installation and the video is in the can and up on YouTube. Letting my fingers guide me walking through the SL destination guide, I picked Risk City as it looked both interesting and photogenic. It is indeed that and a must see in my book. So many places to explore. Let the teleporter be your means of transport. Pick up a listing of spots and some free goodies from the suitcases at the landing point.
Now, about this outfit ---- If you have been following this blog over the years, you know that I am not a huge fan of latex. But, that being said there are always exceptions. This new release outfit from Gwen Carillon Designs is a sassy little number and I love the bandeau bra that is part of the set. Everything is covered but not all that well *wink* so if you are into baring skin, this is for you. AND, the minute I saw it I knew it would look great with some free hair I found at EMO-tions the other day. When I went to the shop to sign up for the group I did a little wandering and found some gift bags not far from the entrance on the opposite side of the wall where the group joiner is located. There were several styles out for free and this is my favorite. Wild and wacky. Chandra, babe, you need to go pick this up for your new dance career!
Pose by: Vista Animations
Fairy Princess
Posted by Chic Aeon in freebies, hair, new releases
I admit to hanging out in pants ninety percent of my life. Still, now and then I like to dip into more romantic garb and for me that most often means period of some sort. Anywhere in the teen centuries works for me. This very romantic gown is a new release from Kouse's Sanctum named Brianna. I chose the forest version; crimson and chocolate are also available. The long glitch pants are of the same damask as the bodice vest so with some boots and a belt, you could be romantic in that more swashbuckling way *wink*. A bodice without sleeves is also included.
Additions to my styling include the new TORI group gift hair from EMO-tions (send a note to join the group; info at store entrance) and pearl necklace from BeautyCode. Striking new heels peak out from beneath the layers of flowing fabric. They are from KALNINS FASHION and release tomorrow. See last night's post for more info.
Poses by: aDORKable, LAP
November Newness
Posted by Chic Aeon in freebies, hair, new releases, skins on Sunday, November 20, 2011
I am new from top to toe tonight. Updo vintage hair from POMME D'AMOUR (Ladybug in Glorious Gray), a new dress from Blueblood (Kirsten in red) and a new Thanksgiving gift skin from Akeruka.
The skin is really lovely with just the kind of makeup that I adore. You should know that there is a "Happy Thanksgiving" tattoo on the back shoulders so you may want to wear this with sweaters and such. Still, it is a great gift and a nice way to try out the brand from the previous designer at Damiani and LaVie. My intel is non-existent on this present; there is a fee to join the group if this is indeed a group gift. So do a little research; I left you breadcrumbs *wink*.
While you can't tell from my lead photo, I am wearing these very sexy and nicely textured heels from KALNINS FASHION. There are three parts of the shoe that can be changed to one of twelve colors. Metals can also be changed and of course nails. Skin tones are on another tab and use both preset colors as well as the "which is closer to your color" variation squares. A few clicks and I had a perfect match and brownish nails.
A classic version with just black, red and gold is also available.
Poses by: Amacci
This Way or That Way
Posted by Chic Aeon in hair, new releases
It is a hot desert morn in Joplin. The roads are worn and silent. Part of a Route 66 set of biker sims, the landscape is both diverse and convincing. My outfit of the early hours boasts another new hair from EMO-tions. Eryn is long and straight, flowing with your movements. Hairpins keep this casual do on the neat side. The fringe stole, color change in red, blue, violet, grey and brown is also a new release from EMO-tions.
Completing my outfit are parts of a huge all in one set called Rockstar from Beautiful Dirty Rich. The set includes guitars (both static and with animation) skirt, tons of layers and neko parts. So whether I choose to go down This Way or That Way, I will definitely be nicely attired today.
Poses by: Vista Animations
Wrap Party
Posted by Chic Aeon in hair, hunts, new releases on Saturday, November 19, 2011
It is a wrap party for one at my somewhat chilly but definitely healthy with all that fresh air abode. I finished my latest video and after a little testing to make sure that it is good to go, it will be up on my YouTube channel. I will keep you apprised of the installation opening and all that jazz.
Meanwhile, now that I am a lady of leisure, I have a list of places to explore. And while I was busy working so were the designers it seems with lots of new releases out. Shown here is a prop that couldn't be more timely for my world, a couch set with movie projector! And what a cute one it is. It comes complete with popcorn as well as a blank movie screen. You could of course use your own TV if you have one. Best of all, it is all yours for a Linden if you can find it (and I bet you can) on the Happy Feet Hunt at the BoatHouse. Rug, popcorn and eating animation in the loveseat give you the perfect excuse to relax -- and that sounds good to me.
My extremely cute hat with hair as well as the coordinating warm scarf are new releases from EMO-tions. The hair is *ALINA* /naturals. The shawl has the same ALINA name. My warm and snuggly sweater is a hunt prize from Argyle Anonymous. Look for a bottle of liquor on the Dirty Turkey Hunt.
Pose by LAP
Celoe and Alice
Posted by Chic Aeon in freebies, mesh, new releases on Thursday, November 17, 2011
Happily I begun filming in my foggy and rainy city. When I came back to the world (you need to turn off the interface and huds while filming so you are pretty much out of touch) I was greeted by two new spectacular (in caps) releases. So I took time out to change -- well of course I did -- and snap these shots so you wouldn't miss the news.
This be still my beating heart dress is a group gift from the new brand -- Celoe which unveils later this week at a temporary location. If they were planning on making a splash with this opening present, they accomplished their task. It is gorgeous. Five sizes (XXS to L) come in the pack as well as alpha layers and sizing charts, so this should fit most ladies. This is a mesh item of course so a mesh viewer will be needed for wearing and viewing. Circumstances had me move on to a mesh viewer full time this week, so I didn't even have to relog. And trust me I am going to be wearing this a LOT *wink*.
Also new, mesh and very impressive are these new Faelin pumps from the Alice Project (new location). These come in fourteen material styles with 27 colors in each pack. The hud shown here is for a limited blogger addition and even those choices are numerous. I am wearing Vibrant Patent Leather 2 version. A very easy to use hud lets you change parts and pieces to your liking including heel shape style. I went with a semi- sedate look to go with my neutral outfit. These are also available on the Marketplace.
Poses by: Juxtapose
Occupy Wall Street - SL
Posted by Chic Aeon in comment, freebies, new releases, places
It's Occupy Wall Street Day. Now I am not a particularly political person and this IS a fashion blog, but when I received an email asking me to do my part, it seemed like checking out the Second Life virtual activities would be an appropriate activity of the morn. There are several events planned for the day.
You need gear for you protesting of course, and you can pick up a huge assortment of free signs, backdrops (my favorite words of peace one is shown in the top photo), gestures, tee shirts and other statement making props at OCCUPY WALL STREET SECONDLIFE.
Occupy Wallstreet Art Exhibit. There you can see both 2D and 3D art echoing the theme. Be sure and vote for your favorites.
From one of the art works:
All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in the spirit of brotherhood.
Life has changed. 911 redefined the world as we know it. New challenges have arisen.
Many of the folks participating in today's events are part of the more recent generations. They have heard about the 60s, the revolution, the Peace and Love era. It is no longer that time.
The world moves on from decade to decade and with it new leaders are born. Whether you take part in the corporeal world, or sneak into virtual mode during your lunch break -- note that history is in the making.
This great mask is in the huge protest give away box from OCCUPY WALL STREET SECONDLIFE.
My outfit came together easily when I searched for items with "peace" in their title. My jeans which I wore so often when teaching at LEARN AVATAR, are from TuttiFrutti.
The Pledge of Peace Necklace is new from .:CoLLisions:..
Poses by: Juxtapose, LAP
Settling In
Posted by Chic Aeon in design, freebies, new releases on Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Finally done with my LEA installation, I am beginning to settle in. I have 800 plus prims left and so making a temporary home seems like a opportune idea. There is more to that story of course, but first this great hat and hair *wink*.
The very cute sun hat which I had a coordinating outfit for with no fuss or muss is a gift from Sway's at the Vintage Fair. So very pretty it pairs nicely with a new hair release from Pomme d' Amour -- Hangover Hair. I am not sure where that name comes from. It is both sedate and stylish and definitely fits into the retro era.
Being well dressed is of course important, but the furnishing that surround us set the mood for our happiness -- or lack thereof. So I was very happy to see this fun retro set added to the vintage event. It comes with a variety of poses including couples poses for the couch. There are color change options and the lamp of course gives real SL light. A great set for those that love moving back in time.
Everything shown here is included in the set except for the botanical paintings which come from Concrete Flowers -- those walls just looked so bare! I have just begun to settle in, but this is a great start.
Enjoy the fair!
Poses by: the furniture and Vista Animations
There is a new skin for guys just out. He goes by the name of Zeus and he is a hottie. Now there is really no point in panting over this fellow (that's either you or me) as he is simple me in guy form *wink*. Chav got a makeover today courtesy of UNIQUE MEGASTORE. Zeus comes in three tan skin tones with this being the darkest. Twelve facial hairs are available and each comes in a set with variations of hair base and chest hairs.
I am used to the boy next door Chav in the top photo, but I have to admit that some of the other choices are wickedly enticing. We all seem to have a bit of "bad boy" or girl hiding in the corners of our libidos. Or, maybe not hiding for everyone!
Stop by and try out the demos. Nany Merlin has indeed made a nice skin for the Y chromosome set.
The boxers in the top photo are this months freebie from the always good to the guys Vitamen store. Chav's hair is from Amacci, necklace from Yabusaki.
Here is the direct LM to the Zeus line.
Poses by: Diesel Works
The Path
Posted by Chic Aeon in freebies, hair, new releases, places, poses
LEA group art exhibit, it is an intriguing trek. This installation is Marcus Inkpen's contribution to the group showing. I had to smile on my arrival as I had been thinking of making a set along this same theme. I guess the saying about no new ideas is true or perhaps we each picked up our inspiration from a stream of Universal thought. An interesting contemplation.
You can start on The Path here.
Poses by: EverGlow (new)
Early Snow
Posted by Chic Aeon in hunts, new releases, poses on Monday, November 14, 2011
Don't slip! Snow has come early to Portland, Oregon -- the virtual one that is. I love this not so authentic version; no wet feet, no sidewalks to shovel, no drippy trees that wet your neck as you walk by. The Portland Connection is the perfect place to show you this new Messy sweater (yes, that is the style name) from Paradisis. I LOVE the sleeves! Plenty of colors to choose from of course; lots of layers as always.
My pants and necklace are also designs from this four year old brand. Honestly, this knit top calls for a nice warm cuddly scarf that maybe lets a little bit of that low neckline show, but I wanted you to see the details *wink*.
The Portland Connection is a fun place to visit and a handy landmark to keep in your snow photo ops folder for the upcoming season. There are two sims and I have only begun to explore this new to me build. I have to admit that I had forgotten how difficult photos in all this white can be. So on my list (not too close to the top) is making new snow Windlight settings.
My top pose is part of the Menstuff Hunt set from HelaMiyo -- gals can have fun too. My grocery bag is a slightly modded version (condoms moved inside the bag :D) from CONCRETE FLOWERS.


text:
This past Sunday I did my first Triathlon. I must admit I was really, really, really nervous for the whole entire thing. It was a reverse triathlon with a 5K run, a 12 mile bike, and a 400 meter swim, in that order. I had no idea how it all worked and really just wanted to do one to see if it is something I would possibly want to do again. I didn't want to go all out when I had no idea what I was doing in the first place. The race takes place not far from our house and B came along which was extra exciting for me :)
I had to go pick up my packet Saturday and the packet pick up was located at a little Tri Shop right around the corner from our house so I picked it up, nothing exciting or special, just a bib and a unisex cotton t-shirt. B could tell I was really nervous all day. I guess I was nervous of the unexpected. It's so much different than just going out and running for a couple hours. We packed everything up and double checked my bike the night before and then got to bed around 10. He had his friend's birthday party so we went out for a little bit but came home early and I didn't drink at all.
Race morning came and I pressed snooze a few times. I didn't want to get up because that meant one step closer to the start line. Finally I was all ready to go and we traveled over to the Cal State Long Beach pool to set up all my stuff. When I got there I was rather intimidated by all the people already set up and ALL their gear. I mean these people had tons of stuff. I had two gus, my helmet, my towel and my goggles. Since I don't have clip in shoes for my bike, I didn't have to worry about changing over my shoes. After we set it all up it was over to the start line where people were starting to congregate.
You can see how nervous I am in this picture and yes, my shoes are pretty much always going to be colored after the Color Run last weekend :)
B took a few pictures throughout the race that I think shows that I just was so scared the entire time. I must admit, it wasn't as hard as I imagined, and I wasn't ever tired during the race. I know I didn't push myself because in my mind I was so scared of what was going to happen next and nervous that I wouldn't have enough left in me to keep going. Alas, I did at the end and it's a lesson learned.
We started off with the run. It wasn't that easy of a 5K, a few small hills, about 8 flights of stairs (???) and some downhill, before I knew it, we were back in the transition area and I was to grab my bike and run out and hop on. This happened pretty quickly. I grabbed half a gu and ate it while I grabbed my bike. There was a big chalk area where we were suppose to get on your bike, so I hopped on and peddled away.
Transitions were pretty easy because I had nothing hard to change into or do so they were both under a minute. To get my bike and run out took me 52 seconds.
I realized I am pretty much terrified of my bike. I just don't like going fast because it scares me. a LOT. So I peddled hard on the flat sections and braked going down the hills. The first time on the entire bike loop I went SO slow just because I was so scared. The bike loop was not that difficult, there was one giant hill on the backside of the loop, and we just had to do the same loop four times. There were two areas where the hills were fairly steep and I was scared I was going to get too much speed and fly off and crash. I know it sounds stupid but it's a huge fear of mine, so working on getting more comfortable on the bike is a top priority. Around and around the loop we went four times. I must toot my own horn, I killed it on the large hill there, and went up it without getting off my bike every time.
After four laps we turned back to go into the transition area and got off the bike, ran it over to the rack and totally forgot to take off my shorts and tank top before going over to the pool area, which may be why my transition time was only 35 seconds. At this point I grabbed another gu and took half of it on my way to the pool. Right before jumping in I realized I needed to take of my clothes. So I was totally that person who took of their clothes on the side of the pool, which I didn't want to be. Fail.
I jumped in, which I HATE jumping into the pool and started swimming. I was a little out of breath but I was okay and told myself to just keep going. I looked down and just swam. I made it to the wall and went under the rope and swam, further and further, until the wall was right there, this was repeated for the next 7 lanes. I just kept going until I would get to the wall. Twice I touched the wall and I popped my head up and B was right there telling me to keep going. I literally at one point yelled HOW MUCH FARTHER because I felt like I was swimming forever. He snapped this GREAT picture of myself…. looking rather happy?
Swim, swim, swim, swim it seemed to take forever, and finally I climbed up the stairs on the side of the pool and across the mats I went for a pretty non celebratory finish. So I was done? I looked around and yup, there I was, all done. The took off the chip on my ankle and off I went. It was pretty sad that it was over like that. I at least wanted a medal to wear around back to the car and add to the collection, alas, no medals for this tiny race.
So after that non-exciting finish… I just felt kind of sad. I knew I could have pushed a lot harder in all aspects of the race. I wasn't tired, I wasn't sore, it just wasn't my best effort and I think that's because I played some mind games with myself the entire time of how tired I would be and how I had to "save" something for the next part of the race. There are always more races though! So it wasn't terrible at all, it was pretty actually easy. Nothing was really taxing or hard and I'm really glad I did it, but I guess if I could do it again I would try much harder in all parts of the race.
I didn't know what to expect going into the race and now I know what I need to work on and how to train for the next one if I decide to do another one. I'm glad I did it and happy with my time.
103 97 Danica lakewood CA 26 F 82 26:52 0:52 134 53:18 0:35 11:02 103 1:32:37 F2029
I do think it was a fun experience and would consider doing another one but right now I need to get back into being more on track at the gym and making an effort to be consistent. So kicking off the month of May with consistency on the brain.


text:
- Nicole Richie has been complaining that she doesn't feel well for days, and now she's been hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai for pneumonia. Her rep says she's "doing well."
- On Sunday she Tweeted: "ok cold, it's been 6 days. Lets part ways graciously & keep it moving." [People]
- Amy Winehouse has spent a third night in the hospital after being admitted for mixing cold medications. [People]
- Michael Barrett has been officially charged with one count of interstate stalking for allegedly filming Erin Andrews in hotels around the country. [TMZ]
- Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband Ojani Noa claims he's been receiving death threats since threatening to sell the video they made during their honeymoon. "She's having him followed. We just ran the license plate of the car . . . and it goes directly back to Jennifer Lopez. Ojani's scared," says his lawyer. [N.Y. Post]
- Paris Hilton and Doug Reinhardt reportedly got into such a bad fight this morning that the police were called. An eyewitness said Doug got in his car, but Paris screamed, "don't go, don't go." He got out of the car and they started shoving each other. [TMZ]
- Paris Hilton denies that she and Doug Reinhart were fighting. She said: "Doug and I were in bed, sound asleep, when Doug's houseguests from hell got into an argument. We had nothing to do with it. Doug told the LAPD that his guests' fight was over and that we had nothing to do with it." [TMZ]
- Kate Major is planning to sue Jon Gosselin for breach of contract for violating their handwritten agreement. Kate resigned from her position at Star because, "Jon told her he would match the salary she was making at the magazine if she came to work for him as his personal employee," says a source. [Radar Online]
- Cindy Crawford's alleged extortionist, Edis Kayalar, cannot be extradited to the U.S. He turned himself in to German police on Monday, but the country doesn't have an extradition policy with the U.S. He is still facing charges because he's accused of emailing about transferring the money into a German bank account, which is against the law. [TMZ]
- The court has notified Roman Polanski's lawyers that a request has been made to allow TV coverage of his bail hearing on December 10. A judge hasn't decided if the cameras will be allowed or not. [N.Y.T.]
- Sarah Palin invited Levi Johnston to her house for Thanksgiving dinner on Oprah but he won't be attending. He told Playgirl it's "a nice gesture, but she didn't mean it." He said having dinner with the Palins would be "awkward." [People]
- The Sarah Palin interview gave Oprah Winfrey her biggest audience in two years. [Politico]
- We thought everyone knew this already, but Radar Online his confirmed that Carrie Prejean was over 18 when she took those nude pictures by analyzing her tan lines in various states of undress. It's unclear why she couldn't have tan lines at 17. [Radar Online]
- Carrie Prejean's dad says of her sex tapes, "The personal information they are bringing out against Carrie is irrelevant to anything." Will Prejean continues, "Carrie is supposed to be doing all of these TV appearances to promote her book, and everyone can only focus on the tapes... I'm not someone who looks backwards. I think we need to look to the future. Why isn't anyone talking about the charity work and all of the charitable organizations that Carrie's involved in?" [E!]
- In an interview on Good Morning America, Janet Jackson admitted that Michael Jackson's family staged several interventions about his drug use but "weren't very successful." She says he understood "that it was out of love," but in these situations, "people tend to be in denial." [TMZ]
- Somehow "Michael Jackson's estate" is fighting with Janet Jackson because her new song "Make Me" includes the line "Don't stop till you get it up," even though the people in charge of MJ's estate say they're unaware of the dispute. [ET]
- Sources say Evan Chandler, the father of the boy who accused Michael Jackson of molesting him, had been estranged from his family for three years before he committed suicide earlier this month and had changed his appearance with plastic surgery to avoid a backlash from the case. [Radar Online]
- Michael Jackson's kids attended the L.A. premiere of New Moon and avoided the paparazzi by sneaking in a side door. A friend says, "They loved it." [Showbiz 411]
- Whoa. Miley Cyrus may be the only 16-year-old who isn't into Twilight. "I've never seen it and nor will I ever," said Miley. "I don't believe in it... I don't like vampires. I don't like the wolf that pops out of the screen when I'm watching my TV at night. I don't like it. I don't want anything to do with it. I don't like the shirts. I don't like any of it." [People]
- Kristen Stewart says her character Bella "Has a lot of really innate female qualities... For a character in literature, I think it's awesome that so many girls can look up to her, because she's fickle and unabashedly (so)." [Reuters]
- Robert Pattinson says in his pre-Twilight life, "I loved driving around L.A. I know not a lot of people say that, but if you don't have to get anywhere, L.A. is the best place to drive 'round in. I used to have this little car, a convertible ... and I really do miss doing that, as the sun is going down, driving over the mountains. It's a great thing and I kind of do miss that a little bit. It's not really the same thing when you've got 10 cars following you." [AP]
- "I don't think there's something particularly alluring or topical about vampires right now that our generation takes to. I think it's more just that Stephenie [Meyer] wrote these characters with really creative, really gloried character traits. He's a vampire - he sucks blood and all that - but being a vampire is really just a symbol of who he is. I think if you take all of the mythical aspects away from the story, these characters would still be interesting. And they'd still stand. That's what people have become addicted to. At least concerning the fans. I don't think it's a vampire thing." — Kristen Stewart [Time]
- New Moon director Chris Weitz says he's quitting making movies after doing one more film. "Every time I make a movie I'm pretty much convinced it's the last time I'm going to be able to do it and that really it's a rather silly occupation to undertake," he says. "But I think I have maybe one more film in me." [People]
- Pamela Anderson says she has told her sons about the sex tape she made with Tommy Lee. "I knew the kids were going to watch [Borat] and there was a reference to the tape in the movie and they're that age and, you know, people are going start saying things," she said. "I just said, 'Look, Mummy and Daddy were massively in love, we videotaped everything, everything was videotaped, and you're probably going hear about something at school.'" [The Sun]
- Pamela Anderson says, "I've tried it (cocaine) and I don't like it. I'm completely hyper and it actually doesn't work for me. I've dabbled in things." [Contact Music]
- Nicolas Cage, a U.N. ambassador, went to a jail in Kenya to talk to the suspected Somali pirates. "Then I'm in a position where I can actually make some sense and talk about it when I go back to the States where I go talk to different U.N. councils and discuss the matter," Cage said. [AP]
- Andrew Lloyd Webber has be re-admitted to the hospital after developing an infection following surgery for prostate cancer. [AP]
- Penny Marshall has liver cancer, according to The National Enquirer. "Most people would have been devastated, crying on the shoulder of friends and family. But not Penny - she was angry!" said a family source. "The last thing Penny wants is for anyone to feel sorry for her." [National Enquirer]
- Jennifer Hudson will play Winnie Mandela in Winnie, Clint Eastwood's movie about Nelson Mandela's ex-wife. "I was compelled and moved when I read the script," Hudson said. "Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman, and I'm honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told." [People]
- Clint Eastwood says the U.S. is "becoming more juvenile as a nation. The guys who won World War II and that whole generation have disappeared, and now we have a bunch of teenage twits..." [Daily Express]
- The Black Eyed Peas' manager, Liborio Molina, won't face charges for punching Perez Hilton in the back of the head. Here's what Molina wrote: 'I apologize for what I did on June 22 of 2009, even though you engaged in highly offensive comments, including a homophobic slur to my clients, I acknowledge that these kinds of issues should not be resolved through a physical response." [TMZ]
- Liborio Molina has also agreed not to contact Perez HIlton and cannot carry any weapons for a year. [AP]
- Precious will be awarded the Producers Guild of America's Stanley Kramer Award, which goes to a film that tackles provocative social issues in a constructive way. [N.Y.T.]
- Kirstie Alley Tweeted about being the butt of Conan O'Brien's fat jokes saying, "ONE BITCH I'm gonna knck [sic] out next time I see her is CONAN O'BITCH O'BRIAN [sic]. That guy acts like I bit his dick off." Star Jones Tweeted back: "You know Conan probably 'wanted some' and you chumped him...I know a few brothers from Brooklyn who owe me! LOL" [Us]
- Roger Moore was named the 2009 Person of the Year by the U.K. branch of PETA for campaigning against foie gras. [Reuters]
- Mariah Carey was late to the British show This Morning, so host Phillip Schofield Tweeted: "Sitting here twiddling our thumbs waiting for Mariah Carey. la la la laaa," before adding: "It's her album... which we will talk about IF she hurries up!" [The Sun]
- Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair got into a fight at a press conference in Australia. Some say it was staged to promote a wrestling even, but in the picture at the link Hogan's head is coated in blood. [TMZ]
- Fantasia Barrino's fans are upset because she's dating a married father of two who left his wife and kids to move in with her. [Star]
- Robin Williams, who split from his wife of 19 years in 2008, has found love again with graphic designer Susan Schneider. A source said, "Robin truly believes it's no coincidence that Susan came into his life right before his heart operation. He told a pal, 'She saved me - she helped me heal.'" [Daily Express]
- Tyra Banks tried to get model Jessica White, who has been seen holding hands with Sean Penn, to confirm that they're dating, but she said, "I hold hands with my friends." [Us]
- Daniel Radcliffe will guest star in The Simpsons' "Treehouse of Horror XXI" next season. [ONTD]
- Hugh Jackman has forgiven his mother for abandoning the family when he was young, and was spotted spending time with her in New York yesterday. "My mother was not well," Jackman has said. "I always hoped she would come back, but I never blamed her for anything that went wrong. At the time, I was miserable and angry, and my brothers and I used to fight all the time." [News.com.au]
- Carrie Underwood says she isn't moving in with her boyfriend Mike Fisher. "Call me old-fashioned. He's there. I'm here... We're both doing our thing and it's good. The next guy I move in with will be my hubby. Whoever that is. I'm not saying it's going to be him." [People]
- Jessica Simpson Tweeted about her sister Ashlee Simpson-Wentz's Broadway debut: "I can't wait to watch @ashsimpsonwentz on broadway in all of her glory!!! I get chillbumps from toes to noggin thinking about it!!! YAY!!!!!" [Us]
- Pete Wentz said, "I just spent the last weekend – Mom was rehearsing for Chicago – being Dad without a nanny, without Mom, and didn't burn the house down, so I'm pretty excited about that." [People]
- Jessica Szohr says "we had fun" shooting the Gossip Girl threesome. "Penn is really easy to work with and very professional and [so is] Hilary," Szohr said. "We just went with it and tried to make it as easy as possible." [Us]
- Sandra Bullock says her family didn't like her going blonde for The Blind Side. "It was entertaining for a couple of months but it's not really my color palette," she said. Her husband didn't like it either. "Thank God an important person in my life didn't want me being blonde. He was like, 'I don't like the blonde on you. You want him to say that!" [People]
- "I want boobs, a gentle six-pack and a perky butt," says Amanda Peet. "If I could choose an ideal body, I'd take Gisele Bunchen's. I challenge anyone to say she wouldn't want Gisele's body, deep down... Actually, I'd take a number of people's bodies. I'd take Jennifer Aniston's, too." [People]
- Susan Sarandon is going to meet table tennis legend Jan-Ove Waldner when she travels to Stockholm to receive an award next week. "It was on her initiative, we just made the effort to find him," says Git Scheynius, director of the Stockholm Film Festival. "She's actually involved in a table tennis club in New York — that's one of her greatest hobbies." [Reuters]
- "I feel like I have learned a lot. The movies could not be more different," says Penelope Cruz of her upcoming films Nine and Broken Embraces. "To be able to sing for the first time professionally and dance, it was a scary experience. Broken Embraces is like three women in one. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world." [Reuters]
- Vera Farmiga says she was drawn to the film Up In The Air because, "I thought it was a refreshing spin on feminine desire. It's something you don't too often get to see, a woman being so demanding and libertine and unapologetic about her sexual prowess. She's an adventuress; she's a full-blown romantic operative. That was pretty exciting. And tricky. Because usually, female characters who are so masculine in their needs can come across as lacking dignity. Alex represents to me what's so hard about being a woman, post-feminist. Wanting it all: a family, a career. That sort of pendulum between romance and respectability, virgin-whore, all these lady problems we have to contend with and there will never be an answer to. A modern heroine of sorts." [L.A.T.]
- Heidi Klum says she's wearing something sexy when she hosts the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, even though she wants to lose weight. "I have some great one-of-a-kind latex pieces that were made for me. I figure why not? I embrace that I have more curves right now," said Klum, "I'm definitely one of the heaviest of the bunch of the 30 girls in the show. And I still have 20 lbs. to go... But why not? I like my outfit. I like the way it looks on me." [People]
- "I have a really big scrapbook. I still actually have these notes that Marty Scorsese wrote to me while we were making The Age of Innocence. I save everything. I definitely have that gene in me. Someone was telling me about this show called Hoarders. I was like, 'Oh no!' I save everything. I'm scared I might be a hoarder." — Winona Ryder [Daily Express]
- Martha Stewart says Rachael Ray is "more of an entertainer ... with her bubbly personality, than she is a teacher, like me. That's not what she's professing to be," adding, "To me, she professed that she could — cannot bake... She — just did a new cookbook which is just a re-edit of a lot of her old recipes. She — and that's not good enough for me." Rachael Ray responded: "Why would it make me mad?... Her skill set is far beyond mine. That's simply the reality of it... I'd rather eat Martha's than mine, too." [Us]
Filed to:Dirt Bag (After Dark)
Dirt Bag (After Dark)Nicole Richieamy winehouseErin AndrewsJohnny DeppBrad PIttGeorge ClooneyParis HiltonDoug ReinhardtKate Majorjon gosselinCindy Crawfordsarah palinOprah WinfreyCarrie prejeanMichael JacksonJanet JacksonEvan chandlerNew moonKristen StewarttwilightRobert Pattinsonstephenie meyerPamela AndersonTommy LeeNicholas Cageandrew lloyd webberjennifer hudsonClint EastwoodLiborio Molina
More from Jezebel
Oh Rachel Ray... I loathe you. I loathe your EVOO and your fake smile and your yum-O. It makes me so satisfied to hear you proclaim Martha Stewart's superiority. And I don't even like Martha that much, it's just hearing you admit that you are not so good at something. That something being what you've made your reputation on, cooking. So you're admitting you're a sham, hmmm?


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Friday, May 20, 2011
And I feel fine...
16 comments:
- Joan said...
ha ha ha ha .. I love green day. and I love your blog! Thanks for the multiple smiles....
- May 20, 2011 at 10:17 PM
- C said...
I keep asking, if it ends 5/21, is it at 6 a.m.? at 11 p.m.? EST? PST? The entire world? Other universes? Other galaxies? It's all instantaneous? I need more details.
- May 20, 2011 at 10:33 PM
- Grumpy, M.D. said...
Wow. I didn't remember that they had filmed the video in Frank's room.
- May 20, 2011 at 10:47 PM
- Mrs A said...
hasnt ended here yet, mind you by the state of my two teenagers rooms you would think so! must be a gen y thing.
- May 20, 2011 at 11:18 PM
- Frantic Pharmacist said...
Before things end, I wanted to share my own Dragon Dictate sighting: patient's had the condition for a year and a half, not a "urine half."
- May 20, 2011 at 11:48 PM
Great minds think alike! That is the FIRST thing I thought of this week when I heard some quack was predicting a "rapture" for Saturday.
Hey, I'd be happy to be wrong on this - it would open up lots of job opportunities for ME, and would reduce the number of irrational patients you have to see Dr. G!
- May 21, 2011 at 12:00 AM
It's supposed to be 6pm local time. So, 6pm wherever you are. It's already 10:00pm in Sydney Australia. Hmmm. Either way, I'm having a party tonight!
- May 21, 2011 at 8:08 AM
Green Day? But, but, but...this is REM.
- May 21, 2011 at 8:09 AM
- CrownedwithVictory said...
I am so glad I saw this. I had a stupid song from Rocky Horror Picture Show stuck in my head. REM is MUCH better.
I can't believe so many people quit their jobs and emptied bank accounts because of some nutjob! He should run for president!
- May 21, 2011 at 8:39 AM
C, it's 6 pm. Each time zone will be magically affected in the order which the call was received. Odd places like Indiana and Arizona, who have turned their backs on Daylight Savings Time, will experience the lack of that extra hour of daylight promised by Mr. Roosevelt (who's gonna save us all).
If you think you have reached this number in error...
- May 21, 2011 at 9:32 AM
I remember this stupid song was the theme of our high school yearbook. Every goddamn pae said "it's the end of the world as we know it...."
Honey, if leaving the highschool in this craphole podunk town is the "end of the world" for you I suddenly have a blindingly clear insight as to why I never got along with you people.
- May 21, 2011 at 2:17 PM
- Maridyth said...
Let's not forget "Stairway to Heaven" :)
- May 21, 2011 at 7:52 PM
- C said...
OK, it's 9:19 pm, and while I have not checked on the WHOLE world, I still seem to be here....where ever here is. Did the world end and leave me behind? Are you all just figments of my imagination and memory?
- May 21, 2011 at 9:22 PM
The pizza delivery man arrived at our door at exactly 6:00 pm of the 21st in New Zealand. That post-apocalyptic pizza was great.
- May 21, 2011 at 9:38 PM
- Moose said...
I had a different song going for the "Rapture"
- May 22, 2011 at 12:29 AM
What made you think Mary and Annie would be going to hell too?
- May 22, 2011 at 9:16 PM


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YahooSports.com has an article that looks into the Indiana Pacers and what has happened since the brawl in Detroit in 2004 with the Pistons and their fans. Click Here for the article by Peter May.
I remember watching this game live. I turned to it very late. Literally as Ron Artest committed a stupid foul on Ben Wallace. Needlessly hitting him in the afro-covered-head. I actually remember saying "that was stupid, you're up by fifteen (points)" to no-one in the room.
When Wallace went at Artest, I was not surprised by his reaction or did I feel that he was completely out of line. I would have been pissed. Look at it from Wallace's position. You're down fifteen, there are 45 seconds left in the game, you have been embarrassed by the Pacers, and now you have to shoot two meaningless free throws which is not your strong suit and you'll probably miss. I may not have pushed Artest – he is much bigger than I am – but I would have said something. "What the @#%& is your problem" comes to mind.
I will not go any further into it, we all know what happened. The whole thing was ugly and disgraceful, but I remember it. I remember thinking that I could not believe it was happening and that I actually got to see it, I was stunned.


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The FOC Palm chandeliers, designed by Janne Kyttanen are finding a new home in interior projects around the world. A successful implementation can be found in the brand new Hilton hotel in The Hague, which interior is designed by Angelika Kok (Barzileye Concept & Design).
The FOC Palm chandelier is 1 meter in diameter, and has a total of 37 palm (D10) shades. For the grand cafe of the Hilton in The Hague FOC designed four custom-made 2 meter wide chandeliers.
FOC collaborated closely with Design Electro Products (DEP) to make the custom chandeliers fit perfectly in the Hilton Hotel in The Hague.
The FOC Palm Chandelier 1 meter was recently placed as an eye-catcher in an Italian restaurant in Bern, Switzerland.
For additional information about the Palm Chandelier, take a look at our shop. For custom solutions, like the Hilton project, please contact Michiel Dekkers or Ilko Bosman.
Pictures 1,2,3 and 4 copyright: Design Electro Products (DEP)
Pictures 5 & 6 copyright: Joan van Nispen tot Sevenaer


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✨ Images are for display purposes only. This listing is for a DIGITAL FILE - no physical items will be shipped ✨
Vibing on a higher frequency
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Hey Everyone! I have a "fast and fabulous" layout to share with you today using the grey chevron bag from the Soda Shoppe kit, which pulled this layout together.
I backed a piece of white cardstock with the polka dot Basic Grey paper. It added a really great contrast and grounded the layout well. Then I used this triangle background from the Silhouette store. No Silhouette? If you have punches, especially those that punch anywhere, you could re-create a similar look.
The little bag was my focus and start of creating this layout...besides the photo, of course, which is one that I had lying around and just had to be scrapped of Emma when she was 13 mos. We were only home for about a month and a half from China. I have plenty documented, so this was a just-for-fun layout. I used the last die-cut flower from the kit, stapled the folded in petals, and added a button in the center. Everything clustered around the bag is from the kit, except the letters and numbers. They are Basic Grey and I thought fit well with a baby-type theme.
And, of course, the sweet photo. I like to cut apart stickers to use in different ways. Like the "remember this...the story of us" was a huge tree...I only wanted the trunk and the saying. It worked out well with the branch sticker coming out from the right of the photo too...almost like it was part of that sticker, if you didn't know any better.
Keeping my focus on using the bag, the photo, and the background already done for me, made this layout come together fast, but looks like it took awhile.
Hope everyone is having a great week! Thanks for stopping by!


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The DeeJayOne Podcast teams up with RGM for a very special episode to celebrate the launch of Arctic Monkeys new album, Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino.
Carl Maloney returns with episode 31 of his popular Reyt Good Music Magazine podcast, this time featuring guest Mike Hughes..
Episode 16 of 136: The return of the number one Sheffield Wednesday fans podcast from Owlstalk. Did you miss us?
The DeeJayOne Podcast explodes onto the scene to help find an audience for the very best of British unsigned music. Discover your next favourite band!
How was bonfire night? James Hargreaves and Luke Crofts have a fireworky night of fun and live to tell the tale...
James recently took the time out to search out some new music with Carl Maloney for the Reyt Good Music podcast. Give it a listen here!
James has quite the hangover from going to the October Drift gig last night. Luke had a civilised Chinese meal instead.
Neil and James are back for an ALL NEW OWLSTALK Sheffield Wednesday Podcast. We have a new recording studio, we have some new sounds, we have some new topics and we have a NEW, LIVE THEME TUNE!
The podcast world has lost a shining light with an Owlstalk Sheffield Wednesday Podcast presenter going on strike. Any similarities to the Fernando Forestieri situation are purely coincidental.


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Guaranteed Contract No. 13 was put into place Wednesday, with the signing of Jamaal Magloire.
What makes the 13th contract so significant is that is the total Heat President Pat Riley said the team may carry this season, due to its position against the dollar-for-dollar luxury tax. It also is two below the NBA maximum.
So does that mean no Odom? Not if Lamar is willing.
If the Heat puts itself in position to land a prime free agent or pull off a huge trade, the 13-man limit will vanish. Once the Heat considers itself a true contender, the tax concerns will abate.
But, otherwise, it could be difficult for Heat second-rounders Patrick Beverley or Robert Dozier to crash this party. And you can just about kiss goodbye restricted free-agent forward Jamario Moon, with the Heat having to answer the Cavaliers' offer sheet by Friday at noon.
So where would the current 13 leave the Heat? With a depth chart that would look something like this:
Center: Jermaine O'Neal, Jamaal Magloire, Joel Anthony, Mark Blount.
Power forward: Udonis Haslem, Michael Beasley.
Small forward: James Jones, Yakhouba Diawara, Dorell Wright.
Shooting guard: Dwyane Wade, Daequan Cook.
Point guard: Mario Chalmers, Chris Quinn.
The rotation order at power forward will be decided during camp. But for such a center-centric roster, it sure seems a bit limited at small forward and point guard.
This can't be all there is, can it?
(Also, your Heat questions are answered regularly at Ask Ira! and for Heat updates check out our Twitter feed.)


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Named scholarships
When it comes to earning a college degree, the greatest obstacle can be funding.
For this reason, The University of Akron is pleased for the opportunity each year to assist talented, deserving students achieve their dreams, thanks to more than 1,300 named scholarships established through the kindness and generosity of thousands of UA alumni and friends, corporations, and foundations.
Scholarships truly are the best way to ensure that today's students persist to graduation. Scholarships allow students to enroll full time and remain focused on their studies; they also reduce drop-out rates, decrease the stress of student loans, and shorten the road to graduation.
The need for scholarships grows each year, however, as students continue to face an increased financial burden in pursuit of a college degree. In fact, 94 percent of today's baccalaureate students borrow to pay for college – versus just 45 percent in 1993. Across the country, the average college-related debt for borrowers in the class of 2016 was $37,172; for Ohio students, that figure was $30,239.
If you are interested in making a significant contribution to student success, please consider a gift to the MAKING A DIFFERENCE AND MOVING FORWARD scholarship campaign, which is the University's most important initiative. You may also establish a named scholarship at The University of Akron, which can be created to honor a living person, in memory of a loved one, or to contribute to the growth of an area of study.
To learn more, please contact the Department of Development at 330-972-7238.
How do I apply for a scholarship?
This is not the page to apply for scholarships.
Students who want to apply for scholarships should visit the scholarship page on the Financial Aid site.
The Department of Development does not accept applications for or distribute scholarships. Scholarships are distributed through the University's Office of Student Financial Aid.
Search for a Named Scholarship
Harris, Robert F. and Lucille S. Harris Scholarship Fund in History
Established in 1985 by Robert F. Harris, Class of 1928, and his wife, Lucille S. Harris, both of whom have maintained a lifelong interest in history, the endowed Robert F. Harris and Lucille S. Harris Scholarship Fund in History provides tuition assistance for deserving undergraduates in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences who are majoring in history. Selection of the recipients is determined by the head of the Department of History in coordination with the director of student financial aid.


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One last gargantuan batch of photos from an exhausting, exhaustive week of NYC showgoing. On Friday Jessica Amaya joined us at Doveman's record release party at the Elevated Hole, a Chelsea loft owned by the Yale English Dept. chair Michael Warner. The room was a perfect foil for Doveman's candlelit Conformist material, along with guest performances by Sean Lennon, Bryce Dessner, Dawn Landes, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, Jennifer Charles, and Justin Bond. Afterward she trekked to Pianos for the Terrible Records showcase, featuring a performance by Acylics and DJ set by label co-head Chris Taylor, while I came back to Williamsburg for the xx and School Of Seven Bells at MHOW, and Chromeo at Brooklyn Bowl. Meanwhile Kyle Dean Reinford took his camera to the Matador/My Open Bar at the Suffolk for Cold Cave, Glasser, Harlem, Lemonade, Tanlines, and Ted Leo, along with sets from Pete & The Pirates and Kiss Kiss at the Beyond Race Party at Crash Mansion.
Saturday offered CMJ the chance to catch all those P4K-approved bands here for the week in one place, at Market Hotel for the Ryan Schreiber-curated Showpaper benefit with sets from Bear In Heaven, Delorean, Cold Cave, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Highlife, Javelin, Real Estate, Small Black, Smith Westerns, and Surfer Blood. Kyle closed his fest out there, while Jessica hit Brooklyn Vegan's day party at Pianos for Pete & The Pirates, Local Natives, Dent May and his mangificent ukulele, JBM, Sharon Van Etten, an excellent set from The Moondoggies, and Surf City, before closing out her week at Bowery Ballroom with Rain Machine, Sharon Van Etten (again), Stricken City, Violens, Imaad Wasif, and Three And Nine. I stopped by Mercury for a great set of songs/short skits from Dum Dum Girls, so there's that, too.
Mixed in you'll find some familiar faces via Polaroid by Pooneh Ghana.
Thanks to Kyle and Jessica for their tireless photography. Looking forward to catching up on sleep the rest of the year.